By Shelby Brooks
Prime Minister Scott Morrison found time in his busy campaign schedule for a visit and a slice of cake at Officer Sikh Temple last weekend.
The PM visited the Officer Sikh Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar (SGND) on Saturday 14 May to help La Trobe candidate Jason Wood announce a Liberal election promise of $500,000 for security upgrades to both Officer Gurdwara and Pakenham Gurudwaraand.
If elected, the funding would ensure the temples were safer for all users by upgrading new lighting, fencing and ensuring there was CCTV as well as improving overall accessibility.
Mr Wood said he was proud to have secured the funding promise.
“The Prime Minister has been very clear about our government’s commitment to protecting places of worship in Australia, particularly after the tragic events in Christchurch,“ he said.
“In my capacity as the Federal Member but also the Assistant Minister for Community Safety, I want to thank the entire Gurudwara for their support of our wider Australian community, these upgrades will be welcome by many!”
While at the Gurdwara, the PM spent time in the community kitchen where he learnt the cultural way to prepare the community meal langar, especially the Indian bread roti.
The PM was also given a birthday cake to celebrate his 54th birthday the day before.
In a Facebook post, Mr Morrison thanked the Gurdwara for the “warm welcome”.
“A special thank you as well for the cake to celebrate my birthday, which was yesterday. Great to get some tips on how to make a good roti bread too,” he said.
Officer Gurdwara spokesperson Harpreet Kandra said the PM was able to connect with multicultural communities in the La Trobe electorate during his visit.
Mr Kandra described the temple as the youngest Gurdwara in Victoria, having opened only three and a half years ago.
He spoke of the several social cohesion and community wellbeing activities organised by Officer Sikh Temple.
“Many kids welcomed all dignitaries with flowers that had thank you messages attached to the stem,” Mr Kandra said of the visit.
“The dignitaries were thanked for Federal funding to realise several projects such as the multipurpose room, kids’ play area, library and organic farm.”
